Manchester United step up pursuit of Victor Lindelof – report

According to reports emanating from Italy, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Monaco midfielder, Fabinho after reports emerged that PSG are closing in on a deal for the Brazilian. Fabinho could help bolster Jose Mourinho’s ranks ahead of next season, as the club could only qualify for next season’s Champions League by virtue of winning the Europa League, as we could only muster a 6th-placed finish on the Premier League log.

Corriere dello Sport report that after seeing PSG edge closer to a deal by offering up to €45m including €5m in add-ons for the player, they are willing to increase their offer to match Monaco’s valuation of €50m (£44m).

Jose Mourinho is growing frustrated with the hierarchy as the club have failed to land the Portuguese’s major transfer targets apart from Victor Lindelof with the likes of Ivan Perisic, Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez and Nemanja Matic still far from signing for the 3-time Champions League winners.

Fabinho has grown since he was managed by Mourinho at Real Madrid, and is adept at playing at right back and as a defensive midfielder, though United’s imminent capture of Serbian powerhouse, Nemanja Matic is likely to scupper the pursuit of the versatile player.

Fabinho is a calm presence on the ball, offering solidity and balance in midfield due to his ability to snuff out attacks and launch passes to more attacking players. He will offer more options to Mourinho who is looking to add steel to United’s core, as the Red Devils struggled to impose themselves on matches last season. He joined Monaco permanently in 2013, and has made over 150 appearances for the principality club in that time.